Flying Horse Farms (FHF) is a medical specialty camp with an emphasis on holistic healing that provides medically, physically, and emotionally safe camp experiences for kids with serious illnesses and their families.
On Oct. 6, Campfire, an annual event hosted on the camp’s property at 5260 State Route 95 in Mount Gilead, was dedicated to making it more possible for the community served by FHF. Campers took center stage as the organization celebrated major milestones like serving 10,000 camper experiences and 150 camp sessions this year. With over 500 guests, nearly 30 campers, and their families present, FHF hit another major milestone worthy of celebration as the event raised over $1 million for the first time ever.
This record-breaking total happened with the support of a $250,000 match made by the Belford Family Fund. Since opening in 2010, as founders the Belfords have remained camp champions and continue to inspire giving while amplifying the message of camp. Funds raised at Campfire will go directly towards current and future programming, including the launch of mental health as a primary diagnosis, and ensuring the camp continues to help kids heal, grow, and thrive.
For kids who are often labeled by their diagnosis, camp becomes a place where they get to just be a kid and define themselves outside of their illness. By giving the spotlight to camper journeys with supporters on-site to directly connect with families served, FHF pulled back the curtain on what makes camp magic – the combination of hope and joy.
“Camp becomes a place of knowns, amongst the unknowns of a diagnosis,” Nichole E. Dunn, president and CEO of Flying Horse Farms, shared. “Camp is where smiles happen again. Camp is where newness is met with love and joy instead of fear and anxiety. It’s where being told ‘no’ and you ‘can’t’ becomes a place of ‘yes’ and ‘I can’ and ‘I will.’”
Campfire is a one-night event, but the funds contributed means campers will keep knowing they are more than their diagnosis. Ultimately, the camp aims to provide families with opportunities to find hope and joy beyond hospital stays and doctor appointments. In doing this, FHF strives to offer trust, respite, and understanding of existence beyond survival mode.
“Doctors teach families how to survive. Camp teaches you how to live,” camper mom Margaret Andorf said.
Submitted by Flying Horse Farms.
